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Evidence-based medicine is a concept developed by David Sackett and colleagues since 1980 at the Medical University center MacMaster, Hamilton city, Ontario. The main idea was to propose an evaluating tool of medical practice allowing a structured way of reasoning and the elimination of self-made opinion. We present a short explanation of evidence-based medicine and compare our daily practice in obstetrics and gynecologic surgery with this new practice paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical studies have specific issues, such as quality assurance on procedures, standardization of techniques, surgeon effect, timing of randomization, blinding respect or choice of the reference arm. All these difficulties conducted to criticism many trials, and lack of results implementation. Indeed, adherence to methodological guidelines is often poor. Twelve recommendations were recently issued by the JAMA surgery revue for good practice in surgical studies to improve the quality of surgical trials in general and surgical oncology. We detail here the main issues of surgical trials in gynaecological oncology surgery, as well as possibilities of improvement for future studies., (Copyright © 2022 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To study the use of reimbursed contraceptive methods in France between 2014 and 2019, with an analysis of the profile of users by age group and an analysis by type of prescriber., Methods: We conducted a national descriptive study using data from the Assurance Maladie Open Data database on the use of contraceptive methods reimbursed in France from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019. We analyzed the number of users by year, by age group (<20years, 20-60years), and by prescriber (liberal general practitioner, liberal gynecologist, hospital practitioner, liberal midwife)., Results: In 2019, 50.1% (5,345,122) of women of childbearing age used a reimbursed contraceptive method. Hormonal oral contraception was the leading contraceptive method used (42.3%), followed by the intrauterine device (6.2%) and the implant (1.6%). Use of combined estrogen-progestogen oral contraception had been declining since 2015 (-8.1 points), to the benefit of the micro progestin pill (+9.1 points) and the copper intrauterine device (+1.4 points). Among women under 20, the hormonal implant was the second most popular contraceptive method (1.2%), followed by the copper intrauterine device (0.8%) and the hormonal intrauterine system (0.2%). Among women over 20years of age of childbearing age, the copper IUD was the second most-reimbursed contraceptive method (2.4%), followed by the hormonal intrauterine system (1.6%) and the hormonal implant (1.2%). There are disparities in prescribing practices: in 2019, 51% of prescribers were general practitioners and 97% of them prescribed hormonal oral contraception., Conclusion: The contraceptive supply in France is diversifying, although oral contraception remains predominant. Disparities exist between age groups of users and there is great heterogeneity in practices among contraceptive prescribers., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Health researchers often face difficulties related to participants' recruitment for their research. However, a new strategy emerges: offering patients-but also citizens who are not ill-the possibility to volunteer as participants to hasten research processes. The French platform "Seintinelles" aims to fulfill this goal and bring together citizens who volunteered to participate to cancer related research. The "Seintinelles Barometer" aims to describe these volunteers' profile., Methods: The Seintinelles Barometer data were collected through a web-based auto-questionnaire proposed to the "Seintinelles" members from June 2017 to November 2018., Results: The sample presents a high level of overrepresentation of women. Participants are characterized by a high level of education. About a third of the participants had suffered from cancer. Two profile of volunteers emerged: the « patients » and the « supportive citizens »., Discussion: The Seintinelles Barometer participants manifest a strong wish to be involved in cancer related research. Therefore, this platform seems to be a promising tool for the development of community-based research in the field of cancer., (Copyright © 2020 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The implementation of an internal quality control is mandatory to guarantee the accuracy of HER2 status in invasive breast cancers., Objectives: To evaluate the impact of our quality control assurance on HER2 status results in invasive breast carcinomas from 2008 to 2014., Methods: HER2 status was determined by immunohistochemistry as the first-line indication, completed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for scores 2+ by immunohistochemistry. Internal quality control of HER2 status relied on the standardization of pre-analytical phases, the use of external controls with a known number of HER2 gene copies determined by FISH and continued monitoring of concordance between immunohistochemistry and FISH., Results: The proportion of HER2-positive cases corresponding to scores 3+ by immunohistochemistry and 2+ amplified by FISH varied from 10.6% to 13.8% (median of 11.3%). The proportion of scores 2+ amplified by FISH varied from 13.3% to 32.7% during period of study. The rate of concordance between FISH and immunohistochemistry for score 0/1+ and 3+ cases were≥97%. Eight among 12 discordant cases were false positive resulting from errors in interpretation of immunohistochemistry (score 2+ instead of 3+)., Discussion: Calibration of immunohistochemistry on FISH for HER2 status contributes to limit variability of immunohistochemistry results due to technical issues or interpretation. The implementation of an external control of score 3+ on each slide enables accurate interpretation of score 2+ and 3+ by immunohistochemistry., (Copyright © 2017 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

In France, women carrying BRCA1/2 mutation, at an identified high risk of breast cancer are recommended to undergo breast MRI screening. That screening does not however prevent the risk of developing a breast cancer. The only alternative to breast cancer screening available in France is surgical prevention by prophylactic mastectomy. An interesting option for women who wish to reduce their breast cancer risk, but are unready for prophylactic mastectomy is a preventive hormonal treatment by aromatase inhibitors, or selective estrogens receptor modulators (SERMs). Reliable clinical trials show the efficiency of tamoxifen, raloxifen, exemestane, and anastrozole especially, in reducing breast cancer incidence by 33%, 34%, 65% and 53% respectively. This article tries to sum up the main published trials of breast cancer prevention with hormonal treatment, and presents the latest American and English clinical guidelines concerning hormonal prevention for women at high risk of breast cancer, and starts thinking about the possibilities of hormonoprevention, especially among women carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation in France., (Copyright © 2016 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: The role of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) for breast cancer is controversial as there is concern regarding its oncological safety and complication rate. We carried out a review of the literature to quantify the incidence of occult nipple malignancy in breast cancer, identify the factors influencing occult nipple malignancy, quantify locoregional recurrence rates and quantify NSM complication rates., Methods: A search of the literature was performed using PubMed. Keywords used were "mastectomy", "nipple involvement", "nipple-sparing mastectomy", "skin-sparing mastectomy" "occult nipple malignancy" "occult nipple disease" "breast cancer recurrence". Articles were analyzed regarding incidence of occult nipple malignancy, potential factors influencing the incidence of occult malignancy and recurrence/complications following NSM. The incidence of occult nipple disease was compared between groups using Chi(2) or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables and Student's t-tests for continuous variables. P values were considered significant<0.05. We identified nearly 30 studies compiling nearly 10 000 cases examining the rate of occult nipple malignancy and 23 studies compiling 2300 cases providing information on the rate of local recurrence after NSM., Results: The overall rate of occult nipple malignancy was 11.5 %. Primary tumour characteristics influencing occult nipple malignancy were tumour-nipple distance<2cm, grade, lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, HER2 positive, ER/PR negative, tumour size>5cm, retro-areolar/central location and multicentric tumours. The overall nipple recurrence rate following NSM was 0.9 %, skin flap recurrence rate was 4.2 %. Full and partial thickness nipple necrosis rates were 2.9 % and 6.3 % respectively., Conclusion: NSM for primary breast cancer is appropriate in carefully selected patients. All patients should have retro-areolar sampling. There is strong evidence to suggest that suitable cases are well circumscribed single or multifocal lesions that have a TND>2cm. Tumours should be graded 1-2 and not have LVI, axillary node metastasis or HER2 positivity., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Around 20 to 30% of women treated for breast cancer undergo a mastectomy in France. Of these patients, 70% do not have reconstructive surgery. It would seem that information surrounding reconstructive procedures is insufficient. Tools created in partnership with caregivers and patients are necessary to help women understand the choices they have.

Purpose: To report characteristics and outcome of breast cancer after irradiation for Hodgkin lymphoma with special focus on breast conservation surgery., Patients and Methods: Medical records of 72 women who developed either ductal carcinoma in situ or stage I-III invasive carcinoma of the breast after Hodgkin lymphoma between 1978 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed., Results: Median age at Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis was 23 years old. Median total dose received by the mediastinum was 40 Gy, mostly by a mantle field technique. Breast cancer occurred after a median time interval of 21 years. Ductal invasive carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ represented respectively 71% and 19% of the cases. Locoregional treatment for breast cancer consisted of mastectomy with or without radiotherapy in 39 patients and of lumpectomy with or without adjuvant radiotherapy in 32 patients. The isocentric lateral decubitus radiation technique was used in 17 patients after breast conserving surgery (57%). With a median follow-up of 7 years, 5-year overall survival rate and locoregional control rate were respectively 74.5% and 82% for invasive carcinoma and 100% and 92% for in situ carcinoma. Thirteen patients died of progressive breast cancer and contralateral breast cancer was diagnosed in ten patients (14%)., Conclusions: Breast conserving treatment can be an option for breast cancers that occur after Hodgkin lymphoma despite prior thoracic irradiation. It should consist of lumpectomy and adjuvant breast radiotherapy with use of adequate techniques, such as the lateral decubitus isocentric position., (Copyright © 2012 Société française de radiothérapie oncologique (SFRO). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the potential impact of social inequalities on stage at diagnosis and long-term outcome of breast cancer patients attending the Institut Curie in Paris (France)., Methods: The study population included 14,610 breast cancer patients diagnosed and treated in the Institut Curie between 1981 and 2001. The socioeconomic status was determined from district of residence, median income for town of residence corrected by the consumption unit and body mass index. Logistic regression models adjusted on socioeconomic factors were used to evaluate clinical and pathologic features at diagnosis. Overall survival and distant metastasis were analysed with log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards regression models., Results: Patients living in lower income districts were more likely to be diagnosed with breast tumors size greater than 20 mm (P=0.01). Residents of high-income urban areas (>15,770 €) exhibited a significant overall survival and distant metastasis advantage (respectively HR=0.93 [0.86-0.99]; P=0.02 and HR=0.91 [0.85-0.98]; P=0.01). Breast cancer screening with mammography was independent of district of residence (P=0.61) or income (P=0.14). After adjusting for age at diagnosis and period, the risk of having breast cancer with unfavorable prognostic factors such as tumor size greater than 20 mm decreased with 1000 € increase in district income (OR=0.986 [0.98-0.99]; P<0.001). Similarly, the risk of cancer death decreased for patients residing in districts with median income greater than 15,770 € (HR=0.92 [0.86-0.98]; P=0.01)., Conclusion: Despite the limitations of the study (aggregate data used to assess socioeconomic status, non representative cohort of French women), we observed that poorer breast cancer prognosis with advanced disease diagnosis and increased risk of breast cancer mortality was related to low socioeconomic status., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To assess the benefit of breast surgery for inflammatory breast cancer., Patients and Methods: This retrospective series was based on 232 patients treated for inflammatory breast cancer. All patients received primary chemotherapy followed by either exclusive radiotherapy (118 patients, 51%) or surgery with or without radiotherapy (114 patients, 49%). The median follow-up was 11 years., Results: The two groups were comparable apart from fewer tumors smaller than 70 mm (43% vs 33%, P=0.003), a higher rate of clinical stage N2 (15% vs 5%, P=0.04) and fewer histopathological grade 3 tumors (46% vs 61%, P<0.05) in the no-surgery group. The addition of surgery was associated with a significant improvement in locoregional disease control (P=0.04) but with no significant difference in overall survival rates or disease-free intervals. Late toxicities were not significantly different between the two treatment groups except for a higher rate of fibrosis in the no-surgery group (P<0.0001), and more lymphedema in the surgery group (P=0.002)., Conclusion: Our data suggest an improvement in locoregional control in patients treated by surgery, in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, for inflammatory breast cancer., (Copyright © 2011 Société française de radiothérapie oncologique (SFRO). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To determine whether exclusive radiotherapy could be a therapeutic option after complete clinical response (cCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) for early breast cancers (EBC)., Patients and Methods: Between 1985 and 1999, 1477 patients received néoadjuvante chemotherapy for early breast cancer considered to be too large for primary conservative surgery. Of 165 patients with complete clinical response, 65 were treated by breast surgery (with radiotherapy) and 100 by exclusive radiotherapy., Results: The two groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics, except for larger initial tumor sizes in the exclusive radiotherapy group. There were no significant differences in overall, disease-free and metastasis-free survivals. Five-year and 10-year overall survivals were 91 and 77% in the no surgery group and 82 and 79% in the surgery group, respectively (P = 0.9). However, a non-significant trend towards higher locoregional recurrence rates (LRR) was observed in the no surgery group (31 vs. 17% at 10 years; P = 0.06). In patients with complete responses on mammography and/or ultrasound, LRR were not significantly different (P=0.45, 10-year LRR: 21 in surgery vs. 26% in exclusive radiotherapy). No significant differences were observed in terms of the rate of cutaneous, cardiac or pulmonary toxicities., Conclusion: Surgery is a key component of locoregional treatment for breast cancers that achieved complete clinical response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy., (Copyright © 2010 Société française de radiothérapie oncologique (SFRO). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.)

Aim: The object of this study was to evaluate access to preventative care, screening and treatment of women in vulnerable socio-economic groups presenting with cervical cancer and the progression of their disease., Method: This is a retrospective study of 123 patients with cervical cancer treated at the hôpital Bichat (Paris) or the hôpital Verdier (Bondy) between 1st January 1996 and 31 December 2005., Results: "CMU" or "AME" is the entitlement for fully state funded medical care and was used in this study to indicate social deprivation. Social deprivation is associated with homelessness (43.9 vs 1.23%; P = 0.0001) and unemployment (90 vs 30%; P = 0.0001). Women from deprived groups seldom enter screening programs (25 vs 56.1%; P = 0.008). Once symptomatic they delay seeking medical attention (1.8 months later than for non-deprived groups; P = 0.027), present more often to accident and emergency departments (51.22 vs 17.07%; P = 0.0003), and do not see any primary care practitioner (41.46 vs 8.64%; P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference with regard to treatment instituted in the two groups. The non-deprived patients residing in Bondy had similar access to care as the deprived patients treated in Paris. The average follow-up period was 30.43 months (+/- 26.64)., Conclusion: Cervical screening is not taken up adequately throughout the general population. Access to health care is poorly tailored to the needs of the socially deprived. Social deprivation did not demonstrate an association with levels of pelvic recurrence, metastasis or death. The low doctor to patient ratio in certain geographical areas reduces access to medical care.

Purpose: Given the scarcity of malignant phyllode tumours of the breast and the absence of consensus regarding their management justify the need for institutional retrospective evaluations of clinical practices., Patients and Methods: Retrospective study with central pathology review of the 25 consecutive patients treated at the Institut Curie (Paris, France) between 1969 and 2006 for non metastatic malignant phyllodes tumors of the breast. The median follow-up was 65 months (7-257 months)., Results: Median age at diagnosis was 52 years (20-64 years). Breast surgery was conservative in five patients (20%). Surgical margins were wide (> 10mm), narrow, involved or unknown in respectively 17 (68%), three (12%), three (12%) and two (8%) patients. Median tumour size was 65 mm (12-250 mm). Adjuvant radiotherapy was delivered in seven (28%) patients (two patients, post-tumorectomy; five patients, post-mastectomy) and 13 patients (52%) received anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Five-year overall survival rate was 91% (95% CI, 80-100%). Five patients (20%) developed distant metastases (one after chemotherapy) and three (12%) locoregional relapse (one after tumorectomy and unknown margin without radiotherapy, two after mastectomy and involved margins with radiotherapy)., Conclusion: Wide breast surgery (that can be conservative in selected patients) is the mainstay of the treatment of non metastatic malignant phyllodes tumors of the breast. To better determine the respective roles of adjuvant systemic treatment and radiotherapy, further clinical studies and the search for new prognostic and predictive factors remain necessary.

The impact of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is not limited to physical and psychological consequences classically evaluated for this disease. In fact, some studies emphasize the indisputable existence of sexual disorders directly imputable to SUI. Sexual function is an important evaluation element before and after surgical treatment of SUI. Many validated questionnaires about sexual disorders exist, the most frequently utilized in present literature being the female sexual function index (FSFI). Suburethral slings, in spite of discordant results, do not seem to impair global sexuality of patients, some authors reporting a benefit effect of surgery, related to a decrease of coital incontinence after surgery and a decrease of apprehension before sexual intercourse.

Unlabelled: EMBOLISATION OF THE UTERINE ARTERIES: Is the technique of choice for the management of post-partum hemorrhage, since it is efficient and virtually non-invasive. However, initial obstetrical measures and appropriate reanimation should never be neglected. The decision for embolisation must be made by all of the competent staff (obstetrician, reanimator, interventional radiologist). The clinical state of the patient must be assessed and the biological controls analyzed and eventually the decision can be made to transfer the patient to a specialized unit equipped not only with a team of interventional radiologists but also a multi-disciplinary team, experienced in the management of this type of pathology. PRACTICAL METHODS: An arterial inducer is placed in the femoral artery under local anesthesia. The angiographic exploration includes, when necessary, a global series showing the aorta and the pelvic vessels followed by the successive exploration of the two internal iliac arteries. Embolisation, conducted under scopic control, must be bilateral. Gelatin fragments or powder is the most appropriate embolus., Limits: Very few maternal delivery structures are able to perform an arterial embolisation at any time of the day or night. This raises the problem of transporting patients with uncontrolled hemorrhages; only those who exhibit no hemorrhagic disorders can be transported fairly easily. EFFICACY AND COMPLICATIONS: Concerning the three principle causes at the origin of post-partum hemorrhages, efficacy is constant in the case of uterine atonia; conversely, failures have been reported in the case of cervical-vaginal tearing and abnormal placental insertion (placenta accreta). In young women with healthy arteries, the complications of uterine embolisation during post-partum hemorrhage are exceptional.

Objective: To analyze the prevalence, cause, treatment, and risk factors of severe post-partum hemorrhage (transfusion, surgery, radiology) observed at the maternity ward of the Robert-Debré Hospital, Paris. Method. This retrospective cohort was collected from a database including 19182 deliveries from 1992 to 1998. The entire medical file was reviewed in cases of severe hemorrhage., Results: The prevalence of severe post-partum hemorrhage was 23 per 10,000 deliveries (44 patients). Transfusion was performed in 44/44 and hysterectomy in 3/44. Three patients were transferred to the intensive care unit. There were no deaths. At multivariate analysis, risk factors for severe post-partum hemorrhage were: abnormal placental insertion (OR=7.2; 95CI: 2.18-18.3), cesarean (OR=5.8; 95CI: 2.9-11.6), multiple pregnancy (OR=3.2; 95CI: 1.3-7.8), prematurity (OR=3, 95CI: 1.5-6.2), hypertension (OR=2.9; 95CI: 1.3-6.3). Twenty-six percent of the patients had no risk factors., Conclusion: The prevalence of severe pot-partum hemorrhage is low in our experience. The methodology used for this retrospective cohort does not enable an explanation. Intensive obstetrical care is necessary in case of abnormal placenta insertion. In 10 out of 44 cases, severe post-partum hemorrhage occurred in a context of insufficient monitoring, late or erroneous diagnosis, or incorrect treatment.

Purpose: To study the variations of corneal asphericity in a population of myopic patients., Methods: One hundred consecutive myopic patients were included in this study. The EyeSys videokeratoscope was used to assess the corneal topography of these patients seeking refractive surgery. We compared the results of cycloplegic refractions with the values of the corneal asphericity and mean central keratometry., Results: Mean corneal asphericity was -0.09. Eighty per cent of the myopic patients had a prolate corneal contour, whereas 20% had an oblate corneal contour. No significant relationship was found between the corneal asphericity value and the mean keratometry value or the mean refractive error., Conclusion: The mean corneal asphericity in our myopic population was -0.09. This is slightly more than previously reported data in similar studies. No statistically significant relationship was found between corneal asphericity, mean refractive error, and mean keratometry.

Unlabelled: AN UNUSUAL INFECTION: Actinomycosis, uncommon in a pelvic localization, is a severe condition not well known to gynecologists. It is caused by Actinomyces israeli and is closely associated with long-term use of an intrauterine device. In the pelvic localization, the disease generally presents as a pseudoneoplastic formation. DIFFICULT DIAGNOSIS: Diagnosis is generally not established clinically. Pathology provides positive diagnosis. The germ cannot be isolated easily as it does not survive standard bacteriology sampling. Monoclonal antibodies may be helpful., Medical Treatment: Intravenous penicillin G followed by at least 6 months oral penicillin is generally successful in eradicating the infection. Indications for surgery should be limited to diagnostic procedures (pathology specimen), drainage in case of abscess formation, and removal of an obstacle compressing the digestive or urinary tract.

Background: Actinomycosis is uncommonly observed in a pelvic localization. The presence of an intrauterine device is an important risk factor., Case Report: A 50-year-old woman presented a tumoral mass in the pelvis with secondary liver involvement. Pathology examination corrected the initial diagnosis of advanced stage pelvic neoplasia to actinomycosis. Rapid improvement was achieved with penicillin., Discussion: Differential diagnosis is difficult but essential in case of pelvic actinomycosis as misdiagnosis can have disastrous surgical consequences. Medical treatment is indicated. Actinomycosis should be entertained as a possible diagnosis in all cases associating a pelvic tumor and inflammation in women wearing an intrauterine device.